Liverpool to bid £6m for highly rated Dutch Striker

Liverpool to bid £6m for highly rated Dutch Striker

Liverpool are all set to make a £6million January bid for long-term target     Luc Castaignos, according to the Metro.

Brendan Rodgers is said to be desperate to reinforce his striking options in the transfer window and sees the highly-rated youngster as an ideal addition to his high-flying squad.

The 21-year-old Castaignos almost moved to Anfield two years ago, but was instead snapped up by Serie A giants Inter Milan. Since then rumours have never really died down about a potential move to the Reds, and Rodgers is ready to make a formal offer as soon as he can.

The Metro states that the Merseyside outfit will have to stump up around £6million in order to get the Dutch starlet but given the fact that he's scored seven in 14 games for FC Twente this year, the Liverpool boss may well be willing to take the risk.

Rodgers is believed to be keen on adding someone who can compete for places with current star duo Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, and so Castaignos probably won't be the only striker targeted in January.

Liverpool Chasing Chelsea Left Back

Liverpool Chasing Chelsea Left Back

Liverpool are reported to be lining up an £8million January bid for Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand.

The Reds failed with a bid to sign the left-back in the summer as Chelsea refused to sell, but the England international is struggling for action and reports claim they will try again in the new year.

Bertrand, who has only just penned a five-year deal, was expecting to play more after Ashley Cole was ruled out with a rib injury but Jose Mourinho has opted to play Cesar Azpilicueta out of position instead. 

Whether Chelsea are willing to sell remains to be seen but Liverpool could test their resolve by launching an £8million bid. 

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to sign a new left-back as Jose Enrique has been ruled out until February with a knee injury and a replacement is needed.

Liverpool defender targeting Brazil WC

Liverpool defender targeting Brazil WC

Liverpool centre half Sebastian Coates still has hopes of making the Uruguay squad for next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.
 The defender's season for the Reds is all but over after damaging cruciate ligaments back in August whilst on international duty but he has not given up hope that he could make it to Brazil. 
The 23-year-old is trying to stay positive as he continues with his rehabilitation and is using next summer's extravaganza as a focus point in his recovery. 
Coates told the club's website: "I'm making progress slowly but surely. It's an injury that takes a long time this one, and you have to work hard on a day-to-day basis to recover, but fortunately that's what I'm doing and so I hope to come back fit and well just as soon as I can. "It's been going very well. As I said, it's a long recovery process for this injury and I think it's more about how you are psychologically in your head and trying to keep positive in order to be able to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
 "You always think positively, I think that's the most important thing. In my case, I keep myself going by focusing on getting back as quickly as I can, and with the national team, the World Cup is another goal to help me with my recovery."

Liverpool to raid Italian giants for £15 million rated star

Liverpool to raid Italian giants for £15 million rated star

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is weighing up a January move for Juventus playmaker Sebastian Giovinco.

The Reds boss is looking for further additions in midfield to add some creativity to his side, and has identified Giovinco as a realistic target this winter.

The Italian international has not always been given regular opportunities to impress for Juve, though he has often been regarded as an exciting prospect at the club since his days as a youngster.

Small and skillful, Giovinco looks a good fit in Rodgers’ Liverpool side, and is up there with PSG’s Javier Pastore and Derby County youngster Will Hughes as priorities for the Merseyside giants in that position.

Giovinco was a regular for Juve last season as they won the title, though he has slipped down in the pecking order this season, and may be tempted to move to boost his chances of first-team football ahead of next summer’s World Cup. 

The 5ft 5in Juventus man will feel that at this stage in his career he needs to be playing far more regularly and could perhaps be allowed to leave the Serie A side for a reasonable fee.

Liverpool scouts monitoring 17-year-old Croatian wonderkid Karlo Lulic

Liverpool scouts monitoring 17-year-old Croatian wonderkid Karlo Lulic

Brendan Rodgers has been keen to build a team at Anfield with a core of young players and has brought in talent from around the globe with the vision of developing a team for the future.

Lulic is the latest to come on to the club's radar, and the midfielder will no doubt have impressed with his recent displays for NK Osijek.

The youngster has already managed to establish himself as a first-team regular in the side, scoring four goals in 12 appearances this season.

A number of Serie A sides have also shown an interest in Lulic, though Liverpool may look to win the race for his signature this January with a view to loaning him back to Osijek for the remainder of the season.

LIVERPOOL DEFENDER PROBABLY OUT FOR THE SEASON

Liverpool defender probably out for the season

Liverpool's preparations for this weekend's Merseyside derby have suffered a blow after defender Jose Enrique was ruled out with a long-term knee injury.

Jose Enrique could require surgery on a knee injury that is likely to keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.

The Liverpool left-back has struggled for fitness for large chunks of this season and it looks like that is set to continue.

The Spaniard will miss this weekend’s Merseyside derby against Everton and is expected to be out even longer than that.

Manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the former Newcastle star had been carrying the knee problem for sometime and that the Reds had now taken the decision to get it fixed.

He told talkSPORT: “Jose Enrique has been struggling for a little while with an injury.

“He will probably need an operation. It’s a blow for us because he’s a very talented player.”

He added: “In fairness to him, he’s put himself out for the team to go out and play.

“But he was suffering with it and we just felt it was best for him to come out and make it right.”

Rodgers will be forced to rely on Aly Cissokho, on loan at Anfield from Valencia, as his first-choice left.

Liverpool ploting £7m move for Greek Hotshot

Liverpool ploting £7m move for Greek 

Hotshot

Liverpool have reportedly prepared a £7m bid forOlympiacos striker Kostas Mitroglou.

The 25-year-old Greek has been in fine form this season, notching 14 goals in 10 games for club and six in seven for his country - including one in Tuesday's World Cup playoff with Romania.

According to The Mirror, the Merseyside club have embarked on a thorough scouting campaign, which has included watching him over his last six matches.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is thought to be tempted by the relatively low price tag, with reports suggesting that Mitroglou first caught his attention while playing in the Under-19 European Championship in 2007.

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested.

Liverpool among the clubs chasing after Paraguayan teenage starlet

The ‘jewel of the Barcelona academy’ Paraguayan striker Toni Sanabria could be the subject of some intense interest from Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City if reports in the Daily Star are to be believed.

The aforementioned daily reports that the Premier League trio are hoping to pounce on the 17 year old and offer him a lucrative long term contract before he becomes eligible to sign professional terms with Barcelona, something which isn’t allowed for players under the age of 18 by Spanish law.

Further media reports suggest that Barca coach ‘Tata’ Martino has held talks with Sanabria in the hope of convincing him to commit his future to the Catalans, to not let the lure of an immediate fortune sway his thinking. However, a lot will really depend on the route to first team action offered to Sanabria, who is no doubt itching to play first team football after having excelled with the Barcelona B team. A move to England would no doubt help accelerate his progress, with Barcelona particularly well blessed as far as their forward line is concerned.

Sanabria has a 3 million euro release clause in his existing contract, a paltry sum for a player of his ability, one that most clubs would be more than happy to pay.

Mamadou Sakho’s Brace Helps France Reach 2014 World Cup (Video highlights)

Mamadou Sakho’s Brace Helps France Reach 2014 World Cup 

Mamadou Sakho scored and claimed another as France reached the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil after a 3-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday night. 

The Liverpool center-back was recalled to the starting XI after the first leg 2-0 defeat, and produced an inspirational display.

 Liverpool’s No. 17 netted the opening goal from a well worked set piece, and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema made it 2-0. 

Sakho then claimed the decisive third goal when he appeared to get the final touch and deflect a cross come shot into the bottom corner of the net to book the trip to the World Cup finals and spark wild scenes in Paris.

 Some reports claim it was Ukraine defender Oleg Gusev who got the final touch, but Sakho is claiming it. 

Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson all featured, as England lost 1-0 to Germany at Wembley. 

It was a proud night for Gerrard as he equalled 1966 winning World Cup captain Bobby Moore’s tally of 108 England caps.

 The skipper, who went close to scoring with a rasping drive that went just over the bar, played for 55 minutes before making way for Anfield teammate Henderson. 

Sturridge led the attack for Roy Hodgson‘s side and played the full game while Glen Johnson was an unused substitute.

 There was disappointment for Simon Mignolet who played the full 90 minutes, as Belgium lost 3-2 at home to Japan.

 On-loan Pepe Reina appeared as a late substitute for Spain during its 1-0 defeat in South Africa. After replacing Iker Cassilas at half-time, Victor Valdes picked up a knock and Reina replaced him in the 81st minute.

 Martin Skrtel‘s Slovakia was held to a goalless draw away to a Gibraltar side making  its European debut.

Liverpool youngster Adam Morgan to leave club on a free transfer

Liverpool youngster Adam Morgan has been told he can leave the club on a free transfer, according to reports on Monday and the weekend.

The 19 year-old academy graduate has, according to The Daily Mail and Mirror, been attracting interest from Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Morgan was part of the Reds’ pre-season squad that toured USA last summer and made three appearances in the Europa League, although mostly due to the lack of other forwards at Brendan Rodgers‘ disposal at the time.

He made headlines earlier this season when he scored a superb strike from 45 yards for the Under 21s against Manchester City.

However, with German youngster Samed Yesil recently having returned from long-term injury, and Michael Ngoo back from his loan spell at Yeovil early, the club appear to have decided to allow Morgan to leave in order to continue his development.

The Reds also have 17 year-old forward Jerome Sinclair, who became the club’s youngest ever player when he made a sub appearance against West Brom in the League Cup last season. Sinclair has been in fine form the Under 18s this season and is likely to profit from Morgan’s departure.

Reds Agree To Sign £12 Million Will Hughes

Liverpool have fended off interest from Manchester United and Arsenal to win the race for Derby County’s highly-rated midfielder Will Hughes, according to the Express.

Hughes has been a long-term target for Reds manager Brendan Rodgers, having impressed in central midfield recently for The Rams.

Teenage sensation Will Hughes has been snapped up by Liverpool for £12m according to several newspapers this morning.

Hughes has been watched and admired by Manchester United and Arsenal but both have seemingly lost out to the Merseyside club.

The £12m may well be made up by Andre Wisdom (right back) going in the opposite direction following his loan spell to the Rams from Liverpool. This however, is open to speculation, as indeed at the moment is the Hughes move.

Time to step up efforts to sign YARMOLENKO before WC

Brendan Rogers should step up his efforts to sign Ukrainian sensation Andriy Yarmolenko

Liverpool need to sign him before the World Cup in Brasil as his value might increase drastically.

Liverpool were interested in signing the Ukraine International last summer, but his 20m euro move fell through.

The 24 year old proved again that he would be a great signing for Liverpool given his attacking prowess.

 He not only had a great game against France but also scored a goal in progess.

France were not able to stop Ukranian and his team mates as Ukraine dominated the tie and came out worthy 2-0 winners over their opposition in Kiev.

France who have been in the world cup for the past 2 decades now are facing exit.

Yarmolenko has been banging in goals for his country as well as his club (Dynamo Kiev).

Yarmolenko has drawn a number of admiring glances since breaking through into the Dynamo side back in 2007 as his consistent threat on goal from wide positions has made him a valuable commodity.

Since making his debut he has gone on to score 61 goals in 187 appearances for the side and has often drawn comparisons between himself and club legend Andrei Shevchenko, though the only major similarity between them is the personal success they have both enjoyed whilst in the Ukrainian capital.

He has also earned 37 caps for the Ukraine national side, scoring 14 goals in the process.

He would prove to be the prefect signing for Liverpool .Breandan Rogers is believed to be in the January transfer Market for attacking midfielders and Yarmolenko ticks all the boxes.

However BR has to sign him before the World Cup in Brasil as his value might increase and numerous clubs interested in him.
                        
                                                                                                                  -By Sharvil Kadam

Rodgers target grabs brace in Brazil play-off

Liverpool saw Greek hitman Kostas Mitroglou score twice against Romania last night but fellow target Alexandru Maxim hardly featured.

Brendan Rodgers is understood to have dispatched scouts to all four World Cup play-off matches taking place in Europe last night with several players in mind, but it was Olympiakos striker Mitroglou who impressed the most as his double strike gave Greece a 3-1 first-leg lead to take to Bucharest.
The 25-year-old has been on the radar of Arsenal and Liverpool for over a year after finishing last season with an impressive tally of eleven goals in 10 league starts and four goals in three starts in the Champions League.

However, his record this season is even better with the Greece international already in double figures in domestic competition while bagging a hat-trick away at Anderlecht in the Champions League.
Rodgers is interested in strengthening his forward corps in January and may submit an offer to Olympiakos who are thought to want just £7million.

However, there has also been reported interest from Inter Milan, Genoa, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.
Maxim, who came on for the last few minutes in Greece last night, is a highly-rated Romanian currently playing for Vfb Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on securing the services of the 23-year-old playmaker who has scored four goals in 10 starts this season.

‘Brendan Rodgers should sign Lars Bender’

Liverpool transfers: Former Reds midfielder Jan Molby urges Brendan Rodgers to make a move for Lars Bender in January

Jan Molby believes Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers should make Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender is top target this January.

The Reds manager has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his squad in the transfer window as Liverpool aim to keep their top-four bid on track.

Molby, who won three top-flight titles during a 11-year career at the Reds, feels Rodgers should attempt to sign Germany international Bender.

“My suggestion would be for Liverpool to go after Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender,” Molby wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

“There are a lot of top players in Germany and I look at Bender and believe he is the real deal.

“For me, he ticks all the boxes.

“But, as I say, you can never second guess managers these days and my views may be seen as a little old school.

“You find that many top flight managers look for specialist players.”

Bender has scored 14 goals in 150 appearances for Sami Hyypia’s side after moving to Bayer Leverkusen from 1860 Munich in 2009.

Liverpool, who signed eight players in the summer transfer window, are currently second in the Premier League table following last Saturday’s 4-0 win against Fulham.

The Next Coutinho?

The Next Coutinho? 

Liverpool’s deadly duo of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez not stopped scoring since January when the Englishman arrived at Anfield. The pair’s partnership has now even earned a nickname: SAS. They’re supported by the sublime Philippe Coutinho who drifts inside from the left wing to cause havoc for defenders. SAS’ deadly movement paired with Coutinho’s impossible vision and passing is a perfect combination. The only problem Brendan Rodgers may have is the lack of back-up for the trio. Should one be injured or suspended, Rodgers’ is short in attacking creativity so should look for a new attacking recruit in January.

Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino has had a superb start to the season, scoring seven times in 11 Bundesliga matches – the most at the club. He could be ideal for Liverpool. Hoffenheim’s  has created 18 chances, including four assists. Again, the most at the club. Hoffenheim are 12th in the division and have scored more goals than Bayern Munich so far (28), and Firmino is a main reason behind that figure.

The 22-year-old is a typical Brazilian attacking player. Matched with sublime skill and fantastic dribbling is his eye for goal and his ability to pick the perfect pass. Coutinho is similar to Firmino but the latter is more of a showboat. Don’t let that cloud your judgement on Firmino, though. He is extraordinarily effective in the final third of the pitch and is a threat whenever he collects the ball.

For a skilful South American, the stereotype normally means he can’t battle well. Although he may carry a certain stereotype, Firmino is capable of fighting his own battles on the pitch having won 84% of his tackles this season. He fulfils the other end of that stereotype, though, having completed 36 out of 55 takes-on in his 11 games.

His average pass distance of 16 metres, this season, is the third-lowest in the squad which shows exactly how and where he passes the ball. His passes are shorter than average which would generally mean he plays short, incisive passes in the final third – a good trait to have.

Firmino isn’t just a one-trick pony, though. He does a lot of running and gets around the pitch which shows he has a strong work ethic, something Rodgers believes has to be instilled in a player for him to fit into his system and style of play. His Heat Map against Hannover 96 proves his desire to cover the pitch.

Firmino is good enough to start for Liverpool and he could easily fit into the side. In the Reds' recent 4-0 win over Fulham at Anfield, Rodgers deployed a 4-2-2-2 system with Coutinho and Jordan Henderson in the 'second 2'. If Rodgers were to use Firmino next to Coutinho, Sturridge and Suarez would never stop scoring with the amount of chances the Brazilian's could create.

Firmino is a superb talent, he's young and will have Europe's biggest sides watching him within months - if not already. If Rodgers wants a top class attacking talent, then he should consider Firmino.

Liverpool join race to sign €40m striker

Liverpool join race to sign €40m striker

Porto striker Jackson Martinez is reportedly on Brendan Rodgers' radar

Martinez is a prolific striker. (©GettyImages)

The race to sign FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez continues to gather pace, with rumours suggesting that Liverpool are the latest club keen to sign the prolific marksman.

27-year-old Martinez has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of Europe's most talented strikers since moving to Portugal from Mexican outfit Chiapas last summer.

The Colombian international - who has won 23 senior international caps for his nation and will hope to feature prominently on his home continent during the World Cup next summer - notched a staggering 26 goals in just 20 Primeira Liga starts last season.

While some might have expected such impressive statistics to fall as defenders inevitably become accustomed to his explosive style, Martinez has showed no signs of slowing down during the early stages of the current campaign, with seven goals in six league starts.

Such impressive form has led the talented frontman to be linked with moves to a plethora of clubs, with Chelsea and Arsenal both reportedly interested in his services.

However, it now appears as if there is yet more Premier League interest building in the fearsome striker.

According to reports cited by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Liverpool have joined the race for Martinez - who reportedly has a €40 million release clause in his current deal - as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to add attacking reinforcements to sustain their surprise title charge.

The Reds have confounded lowly pre-season expectations by starting the 2013/14 season in excellent form, with the formidable forward duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge firing the club to second place in the top-flight table.

Given the form of that aforementioned pair, it may come as somewhat of a surprise to learn that Rodgers is on the hunt for yet another prolific forward.

Arsenal and Chelsea's needs in that department, however, would appear to be much greater. While Arsenal have one of the Premier League's most improved frontmen in Olivier Giroud, they evidently lack of alternative options to the Frenchman.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are in obvious need to add another striker in an attempt to ease the burden on improving Spaniard Fernando Torres.

Liverpool manager hints at squad rotation

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants to adopt a squad rotational policy

Brendan Rodgers is set to ring the changes at Anfield (©GettyImages)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is now ready to rotate his squad as he anticipates a packed Christmas period for the Reds. 

Speaking to the club’s official website after the club’s 4-0 drubbing of Fulham, Rodgers said he is planning to rotate his squad to give his fringe players “some oxygen” in the coming weeks.

Rodgers reverted to a more familiar 4-3-3 system for the game against the Cottagers, resting former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure and starting with Daniel Agger as well as handing a starting berth to Philippe Coutinho.

“The players are working very well and very hard on a daily basis but I need to give oxygen to some players, so they can see a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Rodgers. 

The former Swansea City manager will therefore look to give his fringe players more playing time to help the Reds negotiate a tricky festive period which sees them take on Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Chelsea in 14 days. 

Fortunately for the Anfield outfit they have only the Premier League to worry about as they are out of European and domestic cup action - at least until the FA Cup kicks off in January. 

The Reds’ faithful will look to take advantage of the relatively busier schedules of direct rivals -such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs; who will not only have a packed Premier League fixture list to contend with, but Champions League and Capital One Cup action as well.

Expect therefore to see more of forgotten stars such as Joe Allen, Luis Alberto and Raheem Sterling, who have just one Premier League start between them. 

Former Chelsea and Wigan Athletic winger made a promising start to life in Merseyside but hasn’t started a league game since the 2-2 draw with Newcastle; and will therefore be hoping to get more playing time under his belt. 

Another area where Liverpool are not short of players is in the centre of defence, where no less than four accomplished centre-backs are embroiled in a four-way tussle for a starting berth. 

Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure have all impressed over the course of the season; and it will be interesting to see how the manager goes about sorting out that welcomed crisis as well.

Liverpool target cut-price Bundesliga star

Liverpool linked with move for Germany international defender Dennis Aogo.

Aogo is on loan at Schalke from Hamburg (©GettyImages)

Liverpool are preparing a £2.5m bid for Germany international defender Dennis Aogo, according to the Daily Express.

The report claims Aogo, who is currently on loan at Schalke from Hamburg, is available for £2.5m at the end of the season. Schalke thought they had the first-option on the Germany international.

But German newspaper Bild reports that Aogo is free to negotiate a better package elsewhere if he wants, with Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Roma all preparing offers of their own.

The left-back has represented Germany 11 times since his national team debut in 2010, and could offer competition for Jose Enrique.

Liverpool brought Aly Cissokho to the club on loan over the summer, but the wing-back may return to Valencia at the end of the season.

Should that happen, Brendan Rodgers would be back in the market for a left-back, and the report claims Aogo is a potential target.

Liverpool have the budget to offer him a competitive deal, but any move would not materialise until the end of the season at the earliest.

An attacking full-back, Aogo would fit Rodgers' recent preference for a three-at-the-back system that utilises quick, counter-attacking wing-backs.

Liverpool to battle Serie A giants for Spanish hitman

Liverpool are set to take on Roma in the race for Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez, according to reports from talkSPORT.

The Spanish forward has seen his role at the Vicente Calderon diluted of late, following the arrival of David Villa and the razor-sharp form of Diego Costa.

As a result, the La Liga side are believed to be willing to sell Adrian, which has alerted Liverpool.

But, Roma are also in the fight following their impressive start to the season.

The Italian side currently sit atop Serie A, however their manager, Rudi Garcia, is keen to strengthen in January.

Adrian is believed to be one of his top targets, with the 25-year-old having developed a reputation for his goalscoring ability over the course of the past few seasons.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is also watching the player, and is likely to rival Roma should they make a move.

The Northern Irishman is desperate to provide Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez with adequate cover, with the pair currently the Reds’ major source of goals.

As it stands, Rodgers has little in the way of alternatives to the Anglo-Uruguayan duo, and is keen to address the situation in the New Year.

Suarez set for Brazil - and could be rested ahead of Mersey derby showdown

 

Luis Suarez looks like he’s heading for Brazil next summer – and he might also be heading for a week’s rest ahead of the Merseyside derby.

Suarez’s Uruguay thrashed Jordan 5-0 in their World Cup play-off first leg in Amman, making Wednesday’s return in Montevideo little more than a formality.

Oscar Tabarez might even do Liverpool FC a favour and rest the Reds’ star striker – but even if he doesn’t, there will be little reason for him to exert himself.

Maxi Pereira got the ball rolling with the opener after 22 minutes while Christian Stuani made it 2-0 shortly before the interval.

 

Nicolas Lodeiro made it three with 21 minutes remaining, before Cristian Rodriguez added a fourth and Edison Cavani wrapped up the win with a wickedly-struck free-kick in the second minute of added time.

Barring an unimaginable turnaround, Uruguay will join Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and hosts Brazil as South America’s representatives at next summer’s global showpiece.

Liverpool interested in Southampton Skipper

Liverpool interested in Southampton Skipper

Liverpool want Southampton skipper Adam Lallana to strengthen their midfield options as they seek to maintain their Premier League title challenge.

The Reds need to bring in more quality to boost a squad which lacks depth in one or two areas if they are to keep the pressure on current leaders Arsenal.

A top-four finish is the bare minimum required at Anfield this season and Lallana, called into Roy Hodgson’s squad for the forthcoming friendlies with Chile and Germany, has been identified as one of the players who could make a difference.

Lallana hopes to make an impact by making an impressive debut for the Three Lions this week and pushing for inclusion in the party heading to Brazil for next summer’s World Cup.

‘Every footballer in the whole Premier League would love to go to the World Cup,’ he said. ‘It is what dreams are made of, it’s the pinnacle, so it’d be silly to say anything else really.’

Southampton play Arsenal and Cbelsea in successive matches when the top flight resumes after the international break and Lallana added: ‘It is a big two or three weeks.

‘I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself. I’m just going to go away with England and enjoy it.

‘Enjoy training, playing with the best players, not just in England, but in Europe and the world, and if anything comes off that then it does.

‘When we come back we’ve got two massive performances hopefully that we’ll put in against two of the big boys. It could be a top-of-the-table clash.

Henderson determined to gain World Cup berth

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson believes the improvements he has made since his last England cap give him a better chance of securing a FIFA World Cup spot.

The 23-year-old has been recalled to the senior squad for the forthcoming internationals with Chile and Germanyhaving made his fifth and most recent appearance in the Euro 2012 quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.

His performances at club level have moved on significantly this season, earning him another chance at senior level having returned to England's Under-21s for the 2012-2013 season.

"It's a massive boost and I'm delighted to be going there but when I'm there I need to make sure I'm working hard and do what I've been doing here really," Henderson said.

"I think it (the World Cup) is up for grabs for anyone.

"If you are doing well and your team is doing well people will be looking at you but now I have the chance to go and train and possibly play I have to make sure I'm at it form the start.

"I am sure a World Cup will inspire anyone but football is enough to inspire me: just to go out and play every week.

"Hopefully I can do the best I can and get picked again.

"I definitely think I have improved over a few years so hopefully I can keep improving as time goes on."

Henderson admitted to feeling frustrated at having to watch England's victory over Poland, which secured qualification for the World Cup, on television.

"You get a few days off (when not picked for international duty) but I didn't really enjoy it to be honest," he added.

"I want England to do well and I thought they were brilliant but it was disappointing I had a couple of days off and was watching it on the telly."

But he knows if he can get a foothold in the squad, boss Roy Hodgson has already shown he has faith in him by throwing him on in that Euro Championship quarter-final.

"It was in extra time. Scotty (Parker) was a little bit tired so I tried to give them some legs in the middle and we obviously got beat on penalties, which was disappointing," he said.

"It is brilliant he (Hodgson) could put me on at that stage of the game and believe I could go and do a job for the team.

"I feel as though I've improved since then."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Henderson is an ideal person to take to a World Cup because of his versatility, having played him in various positions in midfield and even at right-back when circumstances dictated.

The midfielder does not believe not having one permanent position will affect his chances and he is trying to add even more to his game to provide a greater level of creativity.

He is also benefiting from playing and training alongside England captain Steven Gerrard every week.

"Stevie helps me all the time, in training, off the pitch, and when you play with him you learn a lot from him so hopefully I can continue to do that," he said.

"If I am playing in a more attacking position I have to make sure I am creating a lot more chances.

"Thankfully I was able to do that (producing a brilliant through-ball for Luis Suarez to score against Fulham) but I was a little bit disappointed I did not get on the scoresheet and I hope to add that to my game as well.

"I have to make sure I am nailing a regular spot in the first XI, that is my main aim: to keep playing every week for Liverpool.

"Wherever the manager puts me I will give it my best shot. If I can play in different positions well that can only benefit me."